People urged: don’t let hate win
ETHNIC minority groups in Donegal are warning their children, who are terrified by anti-immigration protests, about personal safety.
They gathered in Donegal in recent days amid anger at the racist attacks that followed a stabbing in Belfast with the aim not to let hate win.
The violent attack, which left a man with life-changing injuries, prompted demonstrations across the North that were condemned by community representatives and political parties.
Masked men’s burning of ethnic families’ homes has been branded as “nothing less than disgusting cowardice” and organisers have been asked not to inflame tensions further.
Ethnic support groups revealed that local members in Donegal have contacted their community organisations because they are fearful in the wake of recent events.
Letterkenny ethnic community representative Balume Dube told the Donegal News: “People are afraid. I have spoken to my own children to warn them about their safety.
He added: “People are definitely concerned. We do not want a world like this. It has to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
United Against Racism Donegal members are some of many people who travelled to Derry today (Saturday) for an anti-racism protest that is appealing for calm.
A spokesperson for UAR Donegal called on “the people of Donegal to support the rally” and said: “Fighting racism and fascism is something we see as moral and civic obligation.”
Donegal Intercultural Platform held meetings yesterday (Friday) because of concerns amid a fallout from the shocking events.
A spokesperson for Donegal Intercultural Platform told the Donegal News that their aim is to promote honest “values and inclusion”.
Local councillors have also condemned the anti-immigrant attacks.
Councillor Declan Meehan.
Cllr Declan Meehan said: “People are very concerned about the rise of racism and the rise of acceptability of racist rhetoric.
“The racism pogrom that is taking place in the North has been an escalation of that.
“It is incumbent on all of us to call out racist rhetoric against people of colour. It has to be universally condemned.
“Seeing people being put out of their homes because of the colour of their skin is not acceptable.
“I know many people who are in support of the protest in Derry. The United Against Racism Donegal group is showing solidarity.”
Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh at the Kranthi Ireland launch in Letterkenny.
Donegal County Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh helped to launch Indian cultural and political organisation, Kranthi, in Letterkenny in 2022.
He told the Donegal News: “It is a worrying concern and what has been happening is horrendous.
“People are using the attack as an excuse for racism. Innocent people are being put out of their homes.
“It is being orchestrated and is pure racism. I would condemn it and call for calm.”
Border town Cllr Shaun Harkin of Derry City and Strabane District Council Council is one of many intended to go to today’s protest.
People Before Profit Cllr Harkin said: “I join the United Against Racism rally to reject hate and division. All migrants and people of colour are targets.
“Racism, bigotry, sectarianism, misogyny, homophobia and punching down is poison for the working-class. We need to rise above it and fight for unity.
“We need to show solidarity with our migrant co-workers, neighbours and friends. We do not want this hate and division. We won’t accept it.”